Supreme Court Questions Rahul Gandhi's Remarks on Indian Army

Supreme Court's Critique of Rahul Gandhi

On August 4, the Supreme Court addressed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, stating, "If you are a true Indian, you wouldn’t say such a thing," in response to his comments regarding the Indian Army made during the Bharat Jodo Yatra.

Despite this criticism, the court has put a hold on the legal actions initiated against him in a Lucknow court. Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih have issued a notice to both the Uttar Pradesh government and the complainant involved.

"As the leader of the opposition, why do you choose to express your views on social media instead of in Parliament?" the bench questioned.

The court further inquired, "How do you know that 2,000 sq km of Indian territory has been taken by the Chinese? Were you present? Do you possess any credible evidence? Making such statements without substantiation is not the mark of a true Indian."

Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing Gandhi, argued that if the leader of the opposition is unable to voice concerns, it would be a regrettable situation.

"If he cannot discuss issues reported in the media, then he cannot fulfill his role as the leader of the opposition," Singhvi contended.

In response to the court's remark about being a true Indian, Singhvi noted, "It is also possible that a true Indian would express concern over the deaths of our 20 soldiers. This is a significant issue as well."

The court remarked, "In times of border conflict, is it unexpected to have casualties on both sides?"

Singhvi maintained that Gandhi was merely advocating for transparency and raising alarms about the suppression of information.

Justice Datta emphasized that as a responsible leader, Gandhi should have approached the matter through appropriate channels.

While acknowledging that Gandhi could have articulated his concerns more effectively, Singhvi claimed that the complaint was merely an attempt to intimidate the petitioner.

He referenced Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which mandates a prior hearing for the accused before a court can acknowledge a criminal complaint, a step that was overlooked in this instance.

The Supreme Court has now issued a notice regarding the plea, requesting a response within three weeks and has suspended the proceedings in the Lucknow trial court.

In light of Gandhi's comments about the surgical strike and Operation Sindoor, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused him and his party of harboring animosity towards the Indian armed forces.

"Insulting the Congress is the hallmark of the Congress," he stated in a social media post.

"Rahul and Congress despise the Indian Armed Forces. The Supreme Court has reprimanded him today," he asserted.

Another BJP spokesperson, Pradeep Bhandari, remarked on social media that the Supreme Court's inquiry into Gandhi's claims revealed his lack of credibility, stating, "Supreme Court asks Rahul Gandhi - 'How did you know that China had occupied land?'"